EDITORIAL: Next sheriff needs special qualities

By Enterprise editorial staff

Published 4:00 am, Sunday, September 6, 2015

The upcoming retirement of Jefferson County Sheriff Mitch Woods opens up what should be a spirited race for one of the most important elective jobs in the county. A sheriff can be a force for many positive and progressive things in his or her county, or he or she can fumble that opportunity. Jefferson County clearly needs someone who will meet the first criterion. Toward that goal, the next sheriff must be:

-- Someone who understands the need for openness and transparency in government. A sheriff's office deals with tough issues such as deputy-suspect violence, arrest decisions, jail operations, etc. A well-run department has nothing to fear with prompt and complete disclosure of all pertinent information when controversies happen - and they will inevitably happen.

-- A leader, someone who has demonstrated real expertise in his or her previous job. This is not a place for a person looking for a cushy job or just any paycheck. It is a demanding, 24/7 role that requires diligence, energy and a sincere desire to excel, not just get by.

-- Someone who doesn't view jail suicides or violence within jails as just something that happens. Maybe that was the way some Texas jails operated in the past, but it's no longer acceptable. It's not easy running a jail, but with professionalism and strong management it can be done the right way.

-- An innovator, someone who is not afraid to try new things instead of settling into business as usual. Not every change works out, but without an open-minded sheriff, the office and its relations with taxpayers will never get any better.

Both political parties will undoubtedly put forth candidates, which means that the next sheriff might be the county's first Republican to hold that office in decades. But party affiliation doesn't matter, just as the winner could be an insider or a maverick.

What matters is that voters have a chance to elect someone who truly has earned and deserves this major responsibility.